The Prevalence of Signs of Median Nerve Compression among College Students in Kinesiology

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of signs of Median Nerve Compression (MNC) among male and female college students. Methods: Forty-one Kinesiology majors, 24 males (58%) and 17 females (42%) completed surveys to assess the volume of physical activity, computer use, and distal upper extremity pain associated with these activities. Each participant was assessed for signs of MNC with the Phalen’s test, Tinel’s tap test, and the hand elevation test. Grip strength was measured by hand grip dynamometry and participants’ percentile norms were calculated. Results: Indications of MNC were present in 17% of participants, (6 males, 1 female). Fiftyone percent of students experienced computer-related hand and forearm musculoskeletal pain. Eighty-one percent of those had pain during extended computer use and 41% of students experienced occasional pain with physical activity. It is noteworthy that 85% of participants used the computer 4 hours per day or less. Also, with each category of computer use and physical activity, 93% of participants had not experienced pain in the last two weeks. Conclusion: Though none of these factors could be associated with MNC, the prevalence of symptoms was similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (14%) in the general population. KEYWORDS: Musculoskeletal; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Computer use.